CA 'Roller' Bridge Project Complete

A California bridge replacement project that rolled out in a unique—and quick—manner is officially complete, with the opening of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur, and the California Department of Transportation released a new video detailing the project last week.

The old Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, part of Highway 1 in Big Sur, was closed in February after it was damaged by flood waters during California’s record-breaking wet winter. The bridge was demolished in March, and in April, Caltrans announced that contractor Golden State Bridge, of Benicia, would replace it with a new span constructed via the “roller launch” or “incremental launch” method.

The 15-girder steel bridge was constructed on one side of the canyon, then rolled into place in August; the accelerated construction method allowed for a job that Caltrans says might have otherwise taken seven to eight years to be completed in just seven months.

The bridge opened to traffic in October; Caltrans released a new video on the project’s completion last week. View it below.